Jaimes Leggett Calls Time On M&C Saatchi As Justin Graham Steps Up
One of Adland’s biggest players, both figuratively and literally, is calling time on his career with M&C Saatchi. Jaimes Leggett [feature image right] will finish up at the agency he moved to Australia to run in 2013 when his contract expires in July this year.
“The past seven years have been nothing short of inspiring. I have worked with some extraordinary people – both within our business and in our client partnerships – and am incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved,” Leggett said.
“Thanks to the hard work, talent and passion of everyone at M&C Saatchi, we have produced an amazing body of work, hired some great talent and seen consistent year-on-year growth across the Group.
“I’ve loved being a part of M&C Saatchi. There’s no perfect time to make a move like this, but with the rate of accelerating change in the world right now, it’s important that we get ahead of it and allow the new leadership team to set the platform for the business’ future.”
Born in Botswana and schooled in South Africa, Leggett and his family moved to New Zealand when he was 13 and then on to London at 18.
When he took the role of CEO M&C Saatchi Australia, taking over the day-to-day running of the business from the two Toms, McFarlane and Dery, M&C was going through a pretty rough patch.
However under Leggett’s stewardship, the group has flourished and enjoyed double digit growth under his tenure.
Picking up the prestigious B&T Agency of the Year Grand Prix award two years on the trot in 2014 and 2015, M&C Saatchi and Leggett alike were no strangers to awards and accolades under his reign.
Leggett also served as the chairman of the Communications Council from 2015 until 2018.
M&C Saatchi’s Chief Strategy Officer, Justin Graham [feature image left], will step up to the group CEO role being vacated by Leggett.
Of Graham’s appointment, Leggett said: “Justin is a gun. He’s smart, good around the work and great with people. We’ve had a close partnership for the last six years. He’s one of the best strategic thinkers in the market, and I’ve no doubt he will continue to deliver that direction to both ours and our clients’ business.”
Commenting on his appointment, Graham added: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work alongside Jaimes. I’d like to thank him for his long-time partnership, his guidance, his friendship, and most notably his encouragement to transition me into an increasingly operational role over the last few years. On a personal note, I will miss him in the office, but I am excited about the next big chapter for him.
“The opportunity to lead the M&C Saatchi Group in Australia and NZ is an honour due to its legacy in this market and unique approach to partnering with some of the nation’s most iconic brands. And what a time of change in the world to be stepping into the role.
“I believe there is enormous opportunity to create value for our clients, more so now than ever, and that will only be possible by continuing to attract and build talent unlike any other. To bring the Saatchi philosophy to the next chapter of how we partner with the business leaders of today and tomorrow is an incredible privilege.”
M&C Saatchi Global CEO Moray MacLennan added: “Thank you to Jaimes for driving the record-breaking growth we have seen in the Australian business. He, more than most, embodies our global position as home to the creative entrepreneur. I wish him the best for his next endeavour. He’s going to be missed. And I’d like to welcome Justin to the CEO position. Justin has an intimate knowledge of the inner workings of the business and is the perfect person to continue the agency’s momentum.”
Latest News
Enjoy A Hahn Solo… And May The Fourth Be With You
This May the fourth Hahn will celebrate alongside Star Wars fans rewarding their passion via a giant Hahn travelling solo through the sky. It’s the one day of the year when all sci-fi fans rejoice and giggle to themselves and Hahn in partnership with Thinkerbell, UM and Affinity is celebrating with an out of this […]
DMARGE Founder Unveils Creator-Led Social Media Agency Feedstar
New creator-led social media agency Feedstar to be aimed directly at Gen Zs. Well, they'd hardly want print, would they?
TV Ratings (02/05/2024): A total of 1,753,000 Aussies Witness Port Adelaide’s Defeat
Seven's AFL numbers almost double that of the NRL last night. The NRL still easily winning for ruptured ACLs.
Hotglue Cashes In With La Trobe Financial Digital Media Account
Hotglue staffers learning their cashflows from their collaterals today after nabbing La Trobe Financial's digital media.
M&C Saatchi’s Sydney Creative Lead Exits
B&T's stopping short of calling it a revolving door at M&C at the present, but there's definitely heat on the hinges.
Taylor Swift’s Music Re-Enters TikTok As Universal Pens Landmark Deal
Yes, B&T may have spent 152 hours failing to get Taylor Swift tickets, but, as you'll read here, it's all behind us now.
HAVAS Red launches inaugural Influencer White Paper
Havas Red has debuted its first influencer white paper. Unless you print it out in colour, of course.
Two Sides Global Campaign Reports Increasing Greenwashing As Organisations Focus On Sustainability
New report confirms greenwashing's on the rise. Apparently Mars' 'work, rest & play' claims also under investigation.
Aruga Launches New HQ & Changed Ownership Structure
PR agency Aruga proves Brisbane is 'so hot right now'. So hot in fact, Adelaide's had to go on anti-anxiety meds.
Delicious & American Express Partner To Launch Month Out 2024 In Sydney
Cost of living got you eating noodles prepared in the two-minute style? Why not live vicariously through this.
Aussie Ad Market Continues Decline In March
The belt-tightening in adland shows signs of a turnaround soon. Bar the belt-loosening at the all-you-can-eat buffet.
VMA Focuses On Skills And Training For Members
If there was a post-COVID hangover (bar the anti-vax ranters) it was the rise in skills shortages. Here's another one.
Nearly 90% Of Consumers Want Transparency About AI Images, Finds Getty Images Report
Study finds consumers want transparency around AI images. Couldn't care less about photoshopped magazine covers.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation Partners With VML To Boost Funds
Anyone else feel we've exhausted the office morning tea for cancer? B&T proposes the office moonshine still instead.
Perry ‘Pez’ Lazaris Named New National Hit Network Announcer
Why is it mandatory for the media to only publish the nicknames of people in radio & underworld crime figures?
Before Adland: Garry Dawson’s Journey From Teacher To Marketer
Here, the Hopeful Monsters marketer talks his shift from the classroom to the room wherever marketers congregate.
Scott Cam Urges Tradies To Prioritise Sun Protection
The Block host promoting sun protection to tradies. Also, don't try getting into the RSL after 6pm wearing high viz.
PubMatic Study: Advertising On Retail Media Is 50% More Effective Than Social Media
New study finds retail media 50% more effective than social. B&T says two-for-one Tim Tams trumps the lot.
From MOWING to life GROWING: Jim Penman launches ‘Life Coaching’ services
Can't decide on getting the hedges trimmed or finding a deeper meaning to life? You're in luck with this new venture.
Budweiser Brazil Turns Songs That Name Drop The Iconic Brand Into Spotify Ads
It's strange that Budweiser never found a market among beer-swilling Aussies. Then again, neither did the fluffy duck.
Effie Worldwide Strengthens Board With 6 New Members
B&T hopes everyone's wearing their Maseur sandals at the Effies, as it's standing room only at the next board meeting.
Special Enlist A Penguin Named Nigel In Latest Energy Campaign For Contact
Special unveils Nigel the penguin in work for energy provider Contact. Apparently Percy the peacock was booked.
Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth & George Miller Ignite Sydney For Epic Mad Max Launch
The Mad Max film franchise is Australia's cinematic gift to the world. That & Chris Hemsworth's near perfect cheekbones.
IAS Launches First-To-Market Integration With Roblox To Provide 3D Immersive Measurement
Always thought you could do with better 3D immersive measurement? Happy days are ahead here.
Fast And Furious: Top Gear Australia Launch Thrilled Motorheads, Car Entusiasts And Guests
B&T is still no closer to knowing who the new Stig is, except that she is a woman and a ridiculously fast.
TV Ratings (02/05/2024): Seven’s The 1% Club Wins The Night
The 1% club did not live up to its name when it comes to TV ratings last night.
TRA Welcomes Raft Of New Hires; Bolstering Expertise Across Markets
Insights and research agency TRA announces slew of new hires. Still no news on the return of marble wash denim, however.
CX Lavender Hires Boston Consulting Group’s Kim Verbrugghe as Chief Strategy Officer
CX Lavender announces new strategy hire and channels 'acoustic folk act at local RSL' for the publicity pic.
Opinion: Community standards, will they be the death of us?
This columnist is talking community standards. Sadly not those people who put dogs in trolleys in supermarkets.
Tegel gets heads bobbing with new free-range chicken platform
Sure, there's a lot of moral considerations when buying a chook. Yet, not as baffling as buying eggs or canned tuna.
Study: 66% of Aussie men believe masculinity is under attack
Two-thirds of Aussie blokes say masculinity's under attack. That said, sales of Solo lemon drink appear robust.
‘Equal Writes’: Canyon reveals new campaign and refreshed brand for women and non-binary writers
As this brand redesign again proves, nothing beats black on white. Well, white on black in this instance.
Icon Agency bolsters consumer and integrated offer with major hires
Icon Agency unveils new recruits. As press photo confirms office moustache competition now a lay-down misère.
Clemenger launches agricultural graduate program
Has Farmer Wants A Wife triggered an interest in dagging & hay balers? This grads program may resonate.
Levi’s Appoint UM As Global Media Agency For $217m Account
Levi's are the jeans for rockstars, models & the cool kids. Although that's not stopped dads from ruining their image.
QMS Nabs Sean Rigby From oOh!media
Things set to get spicy at the next Outdoor Media Association dinner and dance as a rival gets poached.